Anyone Towing a 16ft Expanda with 150 Diesel?

[Spencer72 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Spencer72]

Ive got a 2014 GXL diesel and looking at upgrading from a Jayco Swan Outback to a 16ft Jayco Expanda Outback (pop up). Just wanting to know if any members towing with this van to get an idea if viable. I have a 2" lift with Ironman springs.

Expanda Specs

Body Length (mm): 5111

Interior Length (mm): 4766

Travel Length (mm): 6405 / 6405

Travel Height (mm): 2395 / 2525

Interior Height (mm): 2115

Width Including Awning (mm): 2470

Tow Ball (kg): 155 / 160

Tare weight (kg): 1510 / 1620

[VeeZeeSS Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close VeeZeeSS]

Yep... Tows great ! You can feel the extra weight over the swan but mainly the extra wind resistance of the expanda. My fuel usage jumped about 2ltrs/100kms compared to the swan.

[Spencer72 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Spencer72]

Thanks Veezees. Having owned both the Swan OB and the Expanda, whats your feedback on the pros/cons on the upgrade. If free a PM would be great as I would really like to get a Prado owner point of view on the matter.

[Dabeanian Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dabeanian]

Hi Spencer,
I dont know what you're concerns are ,with the 150 as with all the Prado's they are rated at 2.5 tinns , I have the 120 with the 1kz motor ( pre d4d ) and ime just upgrading to a heavier van 19 /20 foot ish and expect to be loaded at 2.3 - 2.4 ish feel thats getting near the heavy side but going to get 3 inch exhaust and a chip for more towing power , if I had the 150 I wouldnt be a bit concerned, just my two bobs worth.
Alan

[prado2004 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close prado2004]

My old man has a 1649-3 expanda outback and tows it with a NW Pajero 3.2TD and absolutely loves the van. Economy is pretty good on the paj. They are a nice van and quick and easy to setup with all the mod cons of inbuilt toilet and shower. I think very good bang for buck

[Spencer72 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Spencer72]

Thanks for re-assurance. Im not motor vehicle/caravan savvy at all and looking at jumping in the deep end without trying to tow one first.

[Dabeanian Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dabeanian]

Hi Spencer ,
Go for it see plenty of bigger vans than that behind Prados ,
Alan.

[Racketsports Member Find all posts View Profile Close Racketsports]

I tow a 19ft Nova Treasure dual axle full sized van with my 150 and it feels very secure. I have added a Steinbauer unit and will upgrade the exhaust soon too. I use a Hayman Reece load/weight distribution hitch and will be putting in airbags in the rear but otherwise it is a good honest towing tug. My van fully loaded is at the 2.5T limit and whilst you know it's there, it always feels safe and secure. With the full sized van at highway speed I am using between 15-16lts/100KM, unladen I get 10.5. Only other mods than those already mentioned, are a set of Bridgestone D697 AT's, snorkel, K&N filter, transmission cooler and aux fuel/water filter.

[BB84WA Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BB84WA]

Won't be an issue. I went from an OB Swan to a 17.56.2 Expanda PopTop Touring. Definitely feel the extra 400kgs, but tows great. I have a 120 D4D with a 2 inch lift and upgraded exhaust. Once on the open road, I find the heavier van sits nicer behind the car. Headwinds can definitely be felt a lot more.

Not sure on the spring rates of your rears, but some poly airs should do the trick if needed to keep the rear level.